Architects: Hanno Schlögl, obermoser + partner architekten
Year: 2020
Photographs: David Schreyer
General Engineering: ZSZ – Ingenieure ZT GmbH
Building Services Engineering: Huter Haustechnik GmbH
Electrical Engineering: Fiegl & Spielberger GmbH
Lighting Consultants: Bartenbach GmbH
Project Leaders: Johann Obermoser, Hanno Schlögl, Thomas Gasser, Daniel Wenter, Jörg Raich, Werner Heis, Simon Westreicher
Renderings: Harald Brutscher
Prefab Concrete: Ing. Lang GmbH
Locksmith Light Metal Facade (Crown): Horst IDL Metallbau GmbH
City: Hall in Tirol
Country: Austria
The Gutmann Pellets Silo, designed by Obermoser + Partner Architekten and Hanno Schlögl, repurposed a 1978 grain silo into a wood pellet storage center, revitalizing its industrial surroundings. Located in an abandoned complex, the silo retained its original function with added features like an art lounge, a power plant, and a facility for pellet handling. A “crown” of precast concrete was added atop the silo, redefining its proportions and blending it into a unified monolithic form. The crown houses a glass box with an art lounge and offices at 45 meters, offering panoramic views and playing with natural light. Fire staircases and elevators were placed inside the original grain containers to preserve the silo’s massive character. Completed in one year, the project raised the silo to nearly 50 meters, transforming the site into a striking architectural landmark and a symbol of the company’s identity.
Site analysis: Transforming and requalifying industrial architecture to operate efficiently with sustainable resources has become increasingly significant among contemporary architectural projects. This particular assignment, a collaborative effort between Obermoser + Partner Architekten and architect Hanno Schlögl, involved repurposing a former grain silo, originally constructed in 1978, into a storage facility for wood pellets.
The site, an industrial complex featuring rusty tanks, shed roofs, and other remnants of its previous operations, exuded the atmosphere of abandonment. Among these elements, the tall silhouette of the silo stood out, dominating the landscape and remaining visible from a distance. While the silo and its associated technical equipment retained their original purpose, they were repurposed to store wood pellets instead of grain.
The approach, guided by the client’s request, aimed to expand and enhance the existing ensemble with additional functions. The project was envisioned to transform the site into a local landmark and serve as a new emblem for the company. To achieve this, an art lounge was incorporated, intended to host company events and business activities. Furthermore, the plan included the addition of a small power plant and an additional volume dedicated to pellet manipulation, loading, and delivery operations.
The design focused on establishing a harmonious relationship between the new extensions and the existing structure. Numerous alternatives were explored during the conceptual phase before selecting the most suitable solution.
A symbolic gesture was employed by altering the building’s proportions through the addition of a “crown” atop the silo, accentuating the weight and solidity of the concrete structure beneath. The materialization and modular proportions stemmed from the historic silo structure, ultimately integrating into a cohesive and monolithic design.
The realization process involved constructing the crown as a grid of precast-concrete elements, seamlessly unifying the two attic floors into a single structure while framing a glass box that houses an art lounge and the company headquarters. Externally, the separation between the crown and the glass facade creates a sense of spatial depth, accentuated by skillful lighting. Internally, the spaces, positioned 45 meters above ground, utilize natural light and shadows to evoke an abstract atmosphere while offering breathtaking panoramic views.
To maintain the archaic strength of the silo, the fire staircases and elevator were integrated within the former grain container, eliminating the need for external additions. This approach allows the interior of the silo to be explored, highlighting the immense proportions of the original structure.
The transformation of the project was completed within a year. Following demolition, the rooftop steel structure was installed, followed by the glass facade cladding. The addition of the prefabricated concrete crown brought the silo’s height to nearly 50 meters, solidifying its monolithic form. The client demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and dedication throughout the process. This intervention turned an unremarkable industrial complex into a striking architectural landmark, revitalizing the site and establishing it as a prominent symbol for the company.
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Project Location
Address: Hall in Tirol, Tyrol, Austria
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
